10 Amazing Facts Behind the Scenes at Kilimanjaro Safaris

6) An abundance of animals

The use of actual animals for this attraction is a direct nod to Walt Disney’s original intention of incorporating real animals into his famed Jungle Cruise ride. Though impossible to do so at the time, Imagineers saw the establishment of Kilimanjaro Safaris as an opportunity for finally bringing the dream to life. As you venture out on safari you will encounter a plentiful array of live African animals including, but not limited to: lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, okapis, crocodiles, gazelles, rhinos, antelopes, ostriches, flamingos, and a great wealth of different bird varieties. All these animals came from zoos and private breeders. Eight of the world’s most endangered species reside here. Since the park’s 1998 opening there have been eight white rhinos born here—a remarkable success, as there are only around 11,000 currently in existence.